[Newhaven Fishwives] 1843 - 1847

This photograph by Hill and Adamson, circa 1843, captures two Newhaven fishwives, their striped skirts and modest bonnets speaking volumes. Consider the bonnet, a ubiquitous symbol of female virtue and labor. Yet, its presence here transcends mere modesty. The heavy fabric and tight enclosure subtly echo the veils of ancient Roman vestals, keepers of sacred flames, bound by duty and tradition. Throughout history, we see this motif reappear - in monastic orders or widows' weeds - a visual declaration of responsibility. The act of covering oneself, both a protection and a constraint, echoes a universal tension between concealment and revelation. The cyclical progression of this symbol, resurfacing and evolving, reveals a potent dialogue between societal expectation and individual identity. A continuous thread woven through the fabric of time.